East Africa: Who Will Win This Year's Fashion Awards?

In their third year now, the red carpet is set for Afrikan Fashion Walk awards slated for December 13 at Cayenne Lounge. Founded by Daudi Barak, the 2012 awards will cover three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. And this year, the collections will be donated to children's homes.

Immaculate Wanyenze predicts the likely winners:

Best designer of the year nominees:

Sylvia Owori

Mustapha Hassanali

John Kaveke

Stella Atal

The fashion industry is still growing; so, Sylvia Owori most likely will bag this one.

Media choice designer nominees:

Santa Anzo

Stella Atal

Brenda Maraka

Brenda Nambi

All of them have grown especially in terms of influencing trends, but Santa Anzo is most favoured.

Most inspiring designer of the year nominees:

Mustapha Hassanali

Gloria Wavamunno

Santa Anzo

Again, Santa Anzo would scoop the award. Anzo is a household name in Uganda and abroad. She was the first-ever Ugandan to showcase her fashion line on world platforms such as Paris and San Francisco.

In this category, Anita Beryl of House of Beryl in Mutungo deserves the award because she is skilful with her unique gowns and beauty treatments.

Best Fashion writer nominees:

Keturah Kamugasa

Carol Kezaabu

Keturah Kamugasa's fashion column in the New Vision and work on Flair magazine could earn her this nod.

Best Fashion-sensitive personality (female over 40)

Dr Maggie Kigozi

Morine Wavamunno

Both have a high fashion sense, but the award could go to Wavamunno.

Best Fashion-sensitive personality (male over 40)

Sudeep Mohanty

Patrick Bitature

Little known Mohanty might lose to Bitature who has a bigger social profile.

Best Male designer of the year

Raphael Kasule

Stephen Etende

Those who attended last year's Fashion Walk awards may have noticed that Raphael Kasule showcased some of the best garments. He has also grown tremendously and, who knows, some designers could find him a threat.

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